Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Technology has revealed 61 companies have expressed interest in installing 11 megawatt solar PV systems in the six most densely populated regions of the Maldives.
The government invited companies to submit prequalification applications for Installation of Solar PV Systems in Hithadhoo and Meedhoo in Addu City, Fuvahmulah City, Kulhudhuffushi City, Thinadhoo in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, Eydhafushi in Baa Atoll, and Hinnavaru in Lhaviyani Atoll. The projects are part of the government's implementation of the Accelerating Sustainable Private Investments in Renewable Energy (ASPIRE) project, conducted with the support of the World Bank.
The environment ministry stated 34 of the 61 companies that expressed interest have applied for prequalification, and that it has approved 12 of the companies for the bidding process. Qualified companies are required to submit bids before October 15, and the fieldwork for the projects is scheduled to begin early next year, stated the ministry.
Furthermore, the government is also seeking companies interested in establishing 11-14 megawatt solar PV systems in 14 islands as part of the Accelerating Renewable Energy Integration and Sustainable Energy (ARISE) project, conducted with the support of the World Bank.
Under the ARISE and ASPIRE projects, the government will also be establishing 40 megawatt-per-hour battery energy storage systems in order to store the excess energy from the solar PV systems.